5 Chicago confectioners making spooky candy for Halloween

Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune

Each dark chocolate skull is a bite-size work of colorful art by Heather Johnston of Veruca Chocolates. Inside is a devilish caramel ganache seasoned with chili pepper and cinnamon. $14 for six skulls. 2409 N. Western Ave., 773-998-2462; pop-up store open Fridays through Sundays, 1009 W. Armitage Ave., www.verucachocolates.com

This visual showstopper features white chocolate bones inside a dark chocolate coffin (dyed orange and red, respectively, in this version). Smooth, clean chocolate flavor — and the "bones" are small enough that even the most disciplined diner won’t feel guilty snagging one. Both the coffin lid and the bones are discreetly “glued” into place with little dabs of chocolate. $10. West Town Bakery, 1916 W. Chicago Ave., 773-904-1414; 15 E. Ohio St. (inside the Acme Hotel), 312-894-0935, www.westtownbakery.com

Halloween candy for adults can be more than Hershey’s Kisses straight from the freezer paired with Johnnie Walker on the rocks (though nothing wrong with that combo, I assure you). Chicago confectioners are turning out sophisticated-yet-fun treats you can pass out at a spooky dinner party, give as host gifts or just enjoy 'round the witching hour after that last little goblin has rung your doorbell for trick-or-treat.